Parents need to know that although American Reunion tries to recapture the success of the original -- and equally raunchy -- American Pie, it doesn't quite succeed. What it does succeed at is being extremely crude and crass; there's both male and female nudity (including an extended shot of a man's penis), very suggestive sex scenes, and nearly constant talk of sex. There's also lots of drinking (including a very drunk 18-year-old), some drug use, and nearly constant swearing -- it's easier to try to count the sentences without profanity than to quantify the curses heard here. If teens have already seen the earlier movies in the series and can handle the content, then this won't be a departure; but if they're not, something less over-the-top would be a better pick.

Families can talk about what teens think of sex and what parents think of teens having sex. It's also a good opportunity for parents to answer whatever questions teens may have, both about values surrounding sex and about safe sex.

Do you think American Reunion is raunchier than the original? How does it compare to other over-the-top comedies in recent years? What other movies and TV shows reach for a laugh this way?

How have the characters changed since their high school days? How are their relationships different? Do you think this is a realistic look at how friendships and marriage change over the years?

The good stuff

Messages: Amid the raunchy humor is the message that friends and couples need to make the effort to maintain relationships, whether it's the occasional night out with the guys or scheduling time for a husband and wife to be alone without the kids.

Role models: The characters here are mostly trying to do the right thing -- even if they might try to do it after a few too many drinks. They stick up for their friends (even the most obnoxious ones), and the guys remain devoted to their wives despite many temptations to stray.

What to watch for

Violence: Several people get into a drunken brawl outside a party, with plenty of punches, kicks, and knock-down, drag-out fighting. Some couples get into heated arguments.

Sex: Male and female nudity, including bare breasts, male backsides, and an extended look at one man's penis. Several sex scenes include vigorous thrusting and suggestions of oral sex, given by both genders. Both men and women are interrupted masturbating, and there's a not-so-brief look at online porn (with sound effects). Plus nearly constant talk about sex -- who's having it, who isn't, who wants to, and how -- usually in the crudest possible terms.

Language: Every possible swear word -- from "f--k" to "s--t" to "p---y" and more (including "c--k," "d--k," "ass," "hell," "oh my God," and more) -- is used, multiple times and often in creative permutations.

Consumerism: Apple products make an appearance, as do Chevy cars and online retailer Amazon.

Drinking, drugs and smoking: Anywhere the crowd is gathering, there's plenty of drink, including beer, shots, wine and hard liquor. Several scenes feature underage drinking, including a long sequence in which a very drunk high school girl celebrates her 18th birthday. One woman lights up a joint, and another group passes around a bong at a party.

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